Stanley Cup Playoffs clinching scenarios: April 11

Summary of 3 articles · Updated Apr 11, 2014

The Colorado Avalanche can clinch the Central Division Friday, while the Dallas Stars can secure the last remaining Stanley Cup Playoffs berth. Here are the scenarios: As has been the case since 1979-80, 16 teams will qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.… (more) All seemed well at the start of 2014 for the perennial contenders who came within one win of capturing the Stanley Cup two seasons ago. The eight teams that will compete for the Stanley Cup in the Eastern Conference are: Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. Two first-round matchups have been determined through games played April 10. With that game, their record ranks among the best teams in the league since: Boston: 46-16-9, 101 pts. St. Louis: 47-20-5, 99 pts. Anaheim: 44-17-8, 96 pts. Pittsburgh: 44-21-5, 93 pts. Colorado: 43-20-7, 93 pts. Chicago: 40-18-12, 92 pts. New York: 43-25-5, 91 pts. For the first time since 1973, there is just one Canadian team in the NHL postseason.

Why the New York Rangers will win the Stanley Cup

In the summer I whittled my possible Stanley Cup winners down to four teams for our annual Yearbook predictions: the St. Louis Blues (THN’s pick), Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. I was tempted to go with the Ducks for sentimental …

Canada hits 41-year-low for shot at Stanley Cup

(AP) -- For the first time since 1973, there is just one Canadian team in the NHL postseason. The Montreal Canadiens represent the nation's only hope of ending a 21-year Stanley Cup drought, and that's a long shot.